Protrusion of the Rectum and Anus in Ferrets

Treatment

If your ferret has a concurrent bacterial or viral infection, or a parasitic infestation, your veterinarian will need to treat it first with an appropriate antibiotic or anti-parasitic drug. Once the underlying cause of the prolapse has been identified and treated, your veterinarian will first need to decrease the swelling and return the displaced tissue to its proper location inside the dog's anus.

This may be done manually by performing a gentle massage on the area, or by using lubricating gels or topical agents (e.g., a 50 percent dextrose solution), which aids in the reduction of the swelling. An anesthetic agent may be administered to relieve pain and discomfort. The anesthetic most commonly used is an epidural; however, your veterinarian will make his decision based upon your ferret's individual needs.

Next, your veterinarian may choose to stitch the protruding tissue in its proper location to keep the tissue in place and to prevent a recurrence of a prolapse. Purse string sutures are the likeliest choice for this procedure, and the stitches will be left loose enough to allow room for excretion.

Living and Management

Watch the site in which the ferret had surgery for the first five to seven days, as there is a possibility of splitting and reopening, especially when the ferret defecates. After surgery, there is also a chance that your ferret may lose control over its bladder and bowel, and have involuntary "accidents." Making sure your pet has plenty of opportunities to go outside may help avoid any accidents or related stress.